Chair with arm assembly and trigger mechanism

Abstract

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is an activation mechanism associated with an arm of a chair and for use with an adjustable seating device. The activation mechanism includes an activation member that is movable between a depressed activated position and a raised non-activated position and a lever pivotally connected to the arm of the chair. The activation member is operably connected to the an end of the lever and an activation linkage is operably connected to another end of the lever. When the activation member is moved to the depressed activated position, the lever pivots to pull on the activation linkage to actuate the adjustable seating device to cause a seat of the chair to be raised.

Description

CHAIR WITH ARM ASSEMBLY AND TRIGGER MECHANISMFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an activation mechanism for use with a chair to initiate lifting of the chair seat. The present invention has particular, but not exclusive application for use with chairs, sofas and the like. Reference in the specification to a chair includes but not limited to armchairs, comfort chairs, dining table chairs, recliner chairs, sofas, and lounges.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Sitting and rising from a chair can be difficult for the elderly, handicapped and those suffering or recovering from a medical condition. An elderly person or a person with arthritis does find it difficult to grip a handle or lever or push a button. They sometimes have difficulty accessing a handle, lever or button because of its placement. In other situations, the person does not have the strength to activate the handle or lever. These are everyday life problems that many people face in carrying out a simple task.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an object of the present invention is to provide an activation mechanism for the lifting of a seat of a chair to assist a person to rise from the chair.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention was developed after identifying problems that a person with physical disabilities such as the elderly, disabled or infirmed, has with sitting and rising from a chair. The inventor identified that a person with physical disabilities found it difficult to grip, handle and manipulate a handle, a levers or push and depress a button. The inventor developed an alternate solution to enable an elderly, disabled or infirmed person to easily actuate an adjustable seating device within a chair. The inventor recognised the need for the activation mechanism to be simple to operate, easy to use and reliable.

[0005] In one aspect the present invention resides in an activation mechanism associated with an arm of a chair and for use with an adjustable seating device, the activation mechanism includingan activation member that is movable between a depressed activated position and a raised non-activated position;a lever pivotally connected to the arm of the chair, the lever having a first end and a second end, the activation member is operably connected to the first end of the lever; andan activation linkage operably connected to the second end of the lever and the adjustable seating device,wherein when the activation member is moved to the depressed activated position, the lever pivots to pull on the activation linkage to actuate the adjustable seating device to cause a seat of the chair to be raised.

[0006] The chair can be an armchair, comfort chair, dining table chair, recliner chair, sofa, or lounge.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the activation mechanism has a frame. The frame is preferably releasably connectable to the chair.

[0008] Preferably, the lever is pivotally connected to the frame. More preferably, the lever is pivotally connected the frame between the first end and the second end.

[0009] Preferably, the activation member is pivotally connected to the frame.

[0010] Preferably, the activation member is biased towards the raised nonactivated position. In a preferred embodiment, the activation member has an activation member spring configured to bias the activation member to the raised nonactivated position. The force required to move the lever from the activation member from the raised non-activated position to the depressed activated position is preferably between 2 to 6 Newtons. The activation member spring has a spring force preferably between 0.1 to 0.5 kilograms per millimetre.

[0011] Preferably, the lever has a first lever position and a second lever position, wherein the lever is in the first lever position when the activation member is in the raised non-activated position, and the lever is in the second lever position when the activation member is in the depressed activated position.

[0012] Preferably, the lever is biased towards to first position. In a preferred embodiment, the lever has a lever spring configured to bias the lever to the first leverposition. The force required to move the lever from the first position to the second position is preferably between 2 to 6 Newtons. The lever spring has a spring force preferably between 0.1 to 0.5 kilograms per millimetre.

[0013] The activation member preferably has a travel distance between 8 millimetres to 15 millimetres between the depressed activated position and the raised non-activated position.

[0014] In one embodiment, the frame is preferably integrated into the arm of the chair.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the activation member has a contact portion to which a user can apply force to move the activation member, the contact surface having a width and a length. Preferably, the contact portion has a contact surface on which a hand of the user is positionable to use the activation member.

[0016] Preferably, the contact surface of the activation member is sized to suit the size of a hand of a user.

[0017] The width of the contact surface is preferably between 50 to 150 millimetres.

[0018] The length of the contact surface is preferably between 50 to 150 millimetres.

[0019] In one embodiment, the contact surface has a tactile grip.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the activation member has a width that is substantially the same as the width of the arm of the chair.

[0021] In one embodiment, the activation member is a button. In another embodiment, the activation member is a paddle.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the activation member has a slot and the lever has a pin positionable within the slot to operably connect the activation member to the first end of the lever. Preferably, the pin is movable within the slot.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the activation member has a plunger which operably connects the activation member to the first end of the lever.

[0024] In one embodiment, the activation mechanism is locatable within an arm rest of the chair.

[0025] The activation mechanism is preferably integrated into an arm of the chair.

[0026] In one embodiment, the activation member has a lock that is lockable in the raised non-activated position to prevent unintended activation.

[0027] The adjustable seating device preferably requires the user to move their centre of gravity as the user moves from a seated position to a standing position for the seat of the chair to be raised.

[0028] Preferably, the adjustable seating device supports a portion of the weight of a user as the user moves from a seated position to a standing position. More preferably, the adjustable seating device supports at least 70 percent of the weight of the user as the user moves from a seated position to a standing position. Preferably, the weight of the user in a seated position inhibits the seat of the chair from being raised. Preferably, as the user moves from a standing position to a seated position the weight of the user on the seat lowers the seat.

[0029] Preferably, the adjustable seating device equipoises throughout the displacement of a user’s centre of gravity from a seated position to a standing position so that the user’s weight is reduced or eliminated as an impediment to any portion of that movement.

[0030] Preferably, the adjustable seating device is biased to raise the seat of the chair to a raised position. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable seating device has a gas strut configured to raise the seat of the chair from a lowered position to a raised position.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable seating device has a bar member and the activation mechanism has a holding member engageable with the bar member. Preferably, the holding member has a recess configured to receive and engage the bar member. Preferably, the holding member is a latch. The bar member is preferably a rod. Preferably, when the holding member is engaged with the bar member the seat of the chair is inhibited from being raised.

[0032] Preferably, the activation linkage is operably connected to the holding member. Preferably, when the activation linkage is pulled the holding member disengages from the bar member thereby allowing the seat of the chair to be raised.

[0033] Preferably, the holding member is biased towards a position where the holding member is engaged with the bar member.

[0034] Preferably, the bar member moves with movement of the seat of the chair.

[0035] In one embodiment, the holding member preferably has a sloped portion. Preferably, when the holding member is disengaged from the bar member, the activation member is in the raised non-activated position and seat is moving from araised position to a lowered position the bar member contacts the sloped portion of the holding member to move the holding member so that the bar member is able to move to a position where the bar member is engageable by the holding member .

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable seating device includes two or more activation mechanisms. Preferably, the adjustable seating device is actuated to cause the seat of the chair to be raised when any activation member of the two or more activation mechanisms is moved to the depressed activated position.

[0037] In a further aspect the present invention resides in a chair, the chair includinga seat;an adjustable seating device configured to raise the seat; andan activation mechanism, the activation mechanism includingan activation member that is movable between a depressed activated position and a raised non-activated position;a lever pivotally connected to the arm of the chair, the lever having a first end and a second end, the activation member is operably connected to the first end of the lever; andan activation linkage operably connected to the second end of the lever and the adjustable seating device,wherein when the activation member is moved to the depressed activated position, the lever pivots to pull on the activation linkage to actuate the adjustable seating device to cause the seat to be raised.

[0038] Preferably, the activation member is positioned on the chair arm where a user’s hand would be placed as the user moves from a seated position to a standing position.

[0039] Preferably, the chair has two arms, and each arm has an associated activation mechanism.

[0040] Where the chair has two arm rests, the chair can have an activation mechanism associated with each arm rest. Preferably, the seat of the chair can be actuated by triggering a single activation mechanism.

[0041] In one embodiment where the chair is upholstered, the activation member is preferably covered in the same or similar material as the upholstery.

[0042] In one embodiment where the chair is upholstered, the activation member is preferably located underneath the upholstery of the chair.

[0043] In another aspect the present invention resides in an activation mechanism for use with a chair mechanism, the activation mechanism includingan activation member that is movable between an activated position and a non-activated position;a pivotable lever, the lever having a first end and a second end, the activation member is operably connected to the first end of the lever; andan activation linkage operably connected to the second end of the lever and the adjustable seating device,wherein when the activation member is moved to the activated position, the lever pivots to pull on the activation linkage to actuate the chair mechanism.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the chair mechanism is an adjustable seating device configured to raise a seat of the chair.

[0045] In one embodiment, the activation member is a foot pedal.

[0046] In another embodiment where the chair has a plurality of seats (such as a sofa), the chair has one or more adjustable seating devices, and each adjustable seating device is associated with one of the plurality of seats. The activation member for the activation mechanism can be positioned in the armrest or a foot pedal.

[0047] The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

[0048] The present invention is associated with the lifting seat of a chair as disclosed in International Patent Publication No. W02020 / 005350 and related patents and patent applications. The adjustable seating device is described in the above-mentioned International Patent Publication.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an activation mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in a raised non-activated position.Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the activation mechanism of Figure 1 in a depressed activated position.Figure 3 is an exploded view of the activation mechanism of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a chair with an adjustable seating device in a lowered seat position and the activation mechanism of Figure 1 in the raised nonactivated position. Figure 4 showing cross-sectional detail view A of the activation mechanism and cross-sectional detail view B of the connection of the activation mechanism connection to the adjustable seating device.Figure 5 is a perspective view of a chair with an adjustable seating device in a raised seat position and the activation mechanism of Figure 1 in the depressed activated position. Figure 5 showing cross-sectional detail view C of the activation mechanism and cross-sectional detail view D of the connection of the activation mechanism connection to the adjustable seating device.Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the connection of the activation mechanism connection to the adjustable seating device of figure 4.Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the connection of the activation mechanism connection to the adjustable seating device of figure 5.Figure 8 is a perspective view of a chair with an adjustable seating device in a lowered seat position.Figure 9 is a perspective view of a chair with an adjustable seating device in a raised seat position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0050] Referring to Figures 1 to 9, there is shown a preferred embodiment of an activation mechanism 10 associated with an arm 92 of a chair 90. The chair 90 having an adjustable seating device 80 and a seat 94. The activation mechanism 10 configured to actuate the adjustable seating device 80.

[0051] The activation mechanism 10 includes a frame 20, an activation member 30, a lever 40, an activation linkage 50 and a holding member 60.

[0052] The frame 20 is attached to the arm 92 of the chair 90. The frame 20 has a first portion 22 and a second portion 24. The first portion 22 is substantiallyperpendicular to an arm rest portion of the arm 92. The second portion 24 is substantially perpendicular to the first portion 22.

[0053] The activation member 30 is positioned on an end of the arm 92. The activation member 30 has a contact portion 31 to which a user can apply force to move the activation member 30. The contact portion 31 has a contact surface 32 on which a hand of the user is positionable to use the activation member 30. The activation member 30 has a width that is substantially the width of the arm 92. The contact portion 32 has a length of approximately 100 millimetres.

[0054] The activation member 30 is pivotally connected to the first portion 22 at the hinge 36. The activation member 30 has an elongate arm portion 37 with a hole. The first portion 22 has a pair of support loops 39. The hinge has an elongate pin 38 which is relievable within the hole of the arm portion 37 and within the pair of support loops 39. The hinge 36 is formed by the arm portion 37, the elongate pin 38 and the support loops 39.

[0055] The activation member 30 is pivotally movable between a depressed activated position and a raised non-activated position.

[0056] The activation member 30 has an activation member spring 70 situated between the first portion 22 and the arm portion 37. The activation member spring 70 is configured to bias the activation member 30 to the raised non-activated position. The activation member spring 70 has a spring force of 0.25 kilograms per millimetre.

[0057] The activation member 30 has a connection portion 34 which operably connects to the first end of the lever 40.

[0058] The lever 40 has a first end and a second end. The lever 40 is pivotally connected to the second portion 24 at a pivot connection point between the first end and the second end. The connection portion 34 extends substantially parallel to the second portion 24.

[0059] The lever 40 has a first lever position and a second lever position. The lever 40 is in the first lever position when the activation member 30 is in the raised non-activated position. The lever 40 is in the second lever position when the activation member 30 is in the depressed activated position.

[0060] The connection portion 34 has a slot 35 adapted to receive a pin 44. The lever 40 has a hole in the first end adapted to receive the pin 44. The pin 44 is positioned within the slot 35 and the hole of the first end to operably connect theactivation member 30 and the lever 40. The pin 44 is movable within the slot 35 such that when the activation member 30 is moved between the raised non-activated position and the depressed activated position, the lever 40 moves between the first lever position and the second lever position while maintaining connection to the activation member 30.

[0061] The lever 40 has a lever spring 72 situated around the pivot connection point and between the lever 40 and second portion 24. The lever spring 72 is configured to bias the lever 40 to the first lever position. The lever spring 72 has a spring force of force of 0.25 kilograms per millimetre.

[0062] The activation linkage 50 is operably connected to the second end of the lever 40. The activation linkage 50 has an end with an S-shaped member 52. The lever 40 has a hole in the second end adapted to receive the S-shaped member 52 to operably connect the lever 40 and the activation linkage 50.

[0063] The adjustable seating device 80 has a seat frame 84 on which the seat 94 is attached.

[0064] The adjustable seating device 80 is biased to raise the seat 94 to a raised position. The adjustable seating device 80 has a gas strut configured to raise the seat of the chair 90 from a lowered position to the raised position.

[0065] The adjustable seating device 80 has a bar member 82.

[0066] The holding member 60 has a recess 62 configured to receive and hold the bar member 82. When the bar member 82 is held within the recess 62 the holding member 60 the seat 94 is inhibited from being raised.

[0067] The activation linkage 50 is operably connected to the holding member 60. When the activation linkage 50 is pulled by the lever 40, the holding member 60 disengages from the bar member 82 allowing the seat 94 to be raised.

[0068] The holding member 60 is pivotally movable about a pivot axis 66. The holding member 60 has a holding position and an open position. In the holding position, the holding member 60 holds the bar member 82 if the bar member 82 is received within the recess 62. In the open position, the bar member 82 is allowed to move.

[0069] The holding member 60 is biased towards a position where the holding member 60 is engaged with the bar member 82.- io -

[0070] When the activation member 30 is moved to the depressed activated position, the lever 40 pivots to pull on the activation linkage 50 to disengage the holding member 60 from the bar member 82 thereby allowing the adjustable seating device 80 to actuate to raise the seat 94.

[0071] The bar member 82 is configured to move with the movement of the seat 94. Consequently, if the holding member 60 moves to the holding position from the open position, depending on the position of the seat 94, the bar member 82 can have moved such that the bar member 82 would not be received within the recess 62.

[0072] The holding member 60 preferably has a sloped portion 64. The sloped portion 64 is in a path of movement of the bar member 82. When the holding member 60 is disengaged from the bar member 82, the activation member 30 is in the raised non-activated position and seat 94 is moving from a raised position to a lowered position the bar member 82 contacts the sloped portion 64 and the force of the bar member 82 on the sloped portion 64 causes the holding member 60 to move to the open position. The bar member 82 is then able to move to a position where the bar member 82 is receivable within the recess 62 and engageable by the holding member 60.

[0073] The chair 90 has a second activation mechanism associated with another arm of the chair 90, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The second activation mechanism is operably connected with the activation mechanism 10. The second activation mechanism shares the holding member 60 with the activation mechanism 10 such that when either the activation mechanism 10 or the second activation mechanism are moved to a depressed activated position the adjustable seating device 80 is actuated to cause the seat 94 to be raised. The second activation mechanism is operably connected to the holding member 60 via activation linkage 50A.

[0074] In use, a user sitting in the chair 90 who wishes to stand moves their centre of gravity forward and positions their hands on the arm 92 of the chair 90 where the activation member 30 is located. As the user applies force to the activation member 30 moving the activation member 30 to the depressed activated position which causes the lever 40 to pivot and pull on the activation linkage 50. The pulling of the activation linkage 50 causes the holding member 60 to disengage from the bar member 82 thereby allowing the adjustable seating device 80 to actuate to raise the seat 94.

[0075] The adjustable seating device 80 supports a portion of the weight of the user as the user moves from a seated position to a standing position. The adjustable seating device 80 equipoises throughout the displacement of the user’s centre of gravity from a seated position to a standing position so that the user’s weight is reduced or eliminated as an impediment to any portion of that movement. As the seat 94 is raised the bar member 82 moves such that the bar member 82 would not be received within the recess 62 should the holding member 60 move back to the holding position.

[0076] As the user stands and removes their hand from the activation member 30, the spring 70 biases the activation member 30 to the raised non-activated position resulting in the holding member 60 moving back to the holding position.

[0077] As the user moves from a standing position to a seated position the weight of a user on the seat 94 lowers the seat 94 and consequently the bar member 82.

[0078] If the activation member 30 is in the raised non-activated position, as the seat 94 moves from a raised position to a lowered position the bar member 82 contacts the sloped portion 64 and the force of the bar member 82 on the sloped portion 64 causes the holding member 60 to move to the open position. The bar member 82 is then able to move to a position where the bar member 82 is receivable within the recess 62 and engageable by the holding member 60.

[0079] If the activation member 30 is in the depressed activated position, the holding member 60 would be in the open position. Thus, the bar member 82 can move to a position where the bar member 82 is receivable within the recess 62 and engageable by the holding member 60.

[0080] With reference to Figure 8 the chair 90 has a seat 94 in the lowered position and an activation member 30 in the arm rest 96. In contrast, the chair 90 in Figure 9 has a seat 94 in the raised position after the activation member 30 has been depressed to actuate the adjustable seating device.ADVANTAGES

[0081] An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the activation mechanism is mechanically simple and does not require a motor. This reduces the risk of failure and accidental activation.

[0082] Another advantage of the preferred embodiment is that the activation mechanism will only allow the adjustable seating device to raise the seat if the user is in the act of standing and not while the user remains seated. The weight of the user will keep the seat in a lowered position even if the activation member was activated. The adjustable seating device will therefor assist a person to stand only when the user wants to stand.

[0083] A further advantage of the preferred embodiment is that the activation member is located on the arm rest of the chair where the user would put their hand in the act of standing. Thus, the weight of the user can both support themselves in the act of standing while triggering the activation mechanism and the adjustable seating device would then raise the seat and provide supplemental support to the user. The user can therefore more easily transition from a seated position to a standing position.

[0084] Another advantage of the preferred embodiment is that the present invention does not require electrical systems. That is the furniture does not have to be connected to a power outlet or house a battery. This means that the furniture is not limited as to where it can be positioned. This also removes unnecessary trip hazards and fire hazards.

[0085] A further advantage of the preferred embodiment is that the contact surface of the activation member is large and can easily be used by a weak or injured person.VARIATIONS

[0086] It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

[0087] Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An activation mechanism associated with an arm of a chair and for use with an adjustable seating device, the activation mechanism includingan activation member that is movable between a depressed activated position and a raised non-activated position;a lever pivotally connected to the arm of the chair, the lever having a first end and a second end, the activation member is operably connected to the first end of the lever; andan activation linkage operably connected to the second end of the lever and the adjustable seating device,wherein when the activation member is moved to the depressed activated position, the lever pivots to pull on the activation linkage to actuate the adjustable seating device to cause a seat of the chair to be raised.

2. An activation mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activation mechanism has a frame connectable to the arm of the chair, and the lever is pivotally connected to the frame.

3. An activation mechanism as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the activation member is pivotally connected to the frame.

4. An activation mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the activation member has an activation member spring configured to bias the activation member to the raised non-activated position.

5. An activation mechanism as claimed in claim 4, wherein the activation member spring has a spring force of force of between 0.1 to 0.5 kilograms per millimetre.

6. An activation mechanism as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the force required to move the activation member from the raised non-activated position to the depressed activated position is between 2 to 6 Newtons.

7. An activation mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the activation member has a contact surface to which a user can apply force to move the activation member.

8. An activation mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein the contact surface has a width of between 50 to 150 millimetres and a length of between 50 to 150 millimetres9. An activation mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the adjustable seating device is biased to raise the seat of the chair to a raised position.

10. An activation mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the adjustable seating device supports a portion of the weight of a user as the user moves from a seated position to a standing position, the weight of the user in a seated position inhibits the seat of the chair from being raised, and when the user moves from a standing position to a seated position the weight of the user on the seat lowers the seat.

11. An activation mechanism as claimed in claim 10, wherein the adjustable seating device has a bar member and the activation mechanism has a holding member engageable with the bar member.

12. An activation mechanism as claimed in claim 11, wherein the holding member has a recess configured to engage and receive the bar member.

13. An activation mechanism as claimed in claim 12, wherein when the holding member is engaged with the bar member the seat of the chair is inhibited from being raised.

14. An activation mechanism as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the activation linkage is operably connected to the holding member, and when the activation linkage is pulled the holding member disengages from the bar member allowing the seat of the chair to be raised.

15. An activation mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the holding member preferably has a sloped portion.

16. An activation mechanism as claimed in claim 15, wherein when the holding member is disengaged from the bar member, the activation member is in the raised non-activated position and seat is moving from a raised position to a lowered position the bar member contacts the sloped portion of the holding member to move the holding member so that the bar member is able to move to a position where the bar member is engageable by the holding member.

17. A chair, the chair includinga seat;an arm;an adjustable seating device configured to raise the seat; andan activation mechanism, the activation mechanism includingan activation member that is movable between a depressed activated position and a raised non-activated position;a lever pivotally connected to the arm of the chair, the lever having a first end and a second end, the activation member is operably connected to the first end of the lever; andan activation linkage operably connected to the second end of the lever and the adjustable seating device,wherein when the activation member is moved to the depressed activated position, the lever pivots to pull on the activation linkage to actuate the adjustable seating device to cause the seat to be raised.

18. A chair as claimed in claim 17, wherein the activation member is positioned on the arm where a hand of a user would be placed as the user moves from a seated position to a standing position.

19. A chair as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the chair has two arms, and each arm has an associated activation mechanism.

20. A chair as claimed in claim 19, wherein the adjustable seating device is actuated to cause the seat to be raised when either activation member of the activation mechanisms is moved to the depressed activated position.

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